Tasmania in the Spring
Launceston - St Helens - HobartNowhere else in Australia can one experience such a rich heritage of colonial Georgian and Victorian architecture, established gardens and well-preserved historic townscapes. than in Tasmania. For this tour, we have especially chosen the perfect spring month of November when the island’s superb English-inspired gardens will be in full bloom.
Begin in the north for a thorough discovery of the glorious historic gardens and well-preserved 19th century architecture in and around Launceston, Longford and Evandale, and west through the Meander Valley. Then journey along the ‘Garden Lovers’ Trail’ of the North-east to picturesque St Helens, your base for exploring the magnificent wilderness coastline known as the Bay of Fires. Finally travel down the scenic East coast to finish in Hobart, rich in history, culture and yet more wonderful garden discoveries.
A special feature of the tour will be visits to some superb private gardens, including Old Wesley Dale near Mole Creek, Culzean near Westbury, the garden of Michael McWilliams (‘The Jolly Farmer’) at Perth and four celebrated country gardens in the North-east: Canice Garden, Highview, Cloverlea Garden and Mara Ponds.
Culzean garden Photo: Tousism Tasmania & John de La Roche
The National Rose Garden Photo: Touring Tasmania
ITINERARY:
Thu 11 Nov 2010 Arrive Launceston
Arrival in Launceston and check into your hotel. Tour arrangements begin at 4 pm with an orientation tour. See Launceston’s two elegant public places, City Park and Prince’s Square, historic Albert Hall and the thriving Tamar River waterfront. Continue to Cataract Gorge Reserve for a welcome dinner at the Gorge Restaurant with Fiona Ogilvie and fellow travellers. (Meals included – Dinner)
Fri 12 Nov Launceston
Today you visit two of Tasmania’s most important historic buildings: Franklin House and Clarendon House. Built by former convict and successful businessman Britton Jones in 1838, Franklin House is notable for its rich use of imported Australian Red Cedar. Franklin house became the birthplace of the National Trust in Tasmania in 1960.
Continue to Clarendon House, recognised as one of Australia's great Georgian houses, with over 3.6 hectares of formal gardens in the English style, including a large walled garden behind the house which leads to the stables and other outbuildings. Clarendon was originally built by James Cox, a wealthy woolgrower and merchant, in 1838.
Return to Launceston via Evandale, one of the best-preserved towns in Australia. (BL)
Sat 13 Nov Launceston
Journey south of Launceston to historic Woolmers Estate, continuously occupied by the Thomas Archer family from circa 1817 to 1994 and acknowledged as one of the most outstanding examples of 19th century rural settlements in Australia. The site provides a rare insight into six generations of one family while the National Rose Garden at Woolmers provides a unique journey through the evolution of the rose.
After lunch in the Servants Kitchen (circa 1847), continue to nearby Brickendon Estate. Dating from the 1820s, the property has been continuously farmed by the descendents of the William Archer family for six generations, who have ensured that the convict built farm complex, Georgian country house and the four hectare formal garden remain largely intact.
Finish the day with a visit to the garden of award-winning artist Michael McWilliams (‘The Jolly Farmer’) near Perth, designed and planted to complement an historic 1826 inn, stable and barn. . (BL)
Sun 14 Nov Launceston
Drive west of Launceston through the Meander Valley to Old Wesley Dale (c.1830) near Mole Creek, a rural property with wonderful views of the Great Western tiers. The restoration and extension of the garden by the current owner, Scott Wilson, complements the Early Georgian house and outbuildings.
Continue to nearby Wychwood Garden & Nursery, a beautiful one-hectare temperate garden featuring sweeping borders full of perennials, old roses and ornamental grasses plus a fruit and vegetable garden, a heritage apple orchard, water features and woodland areas. Enjoy lunch in the garden.
Return to Launceston via Culzean Gardens in Westbury. Culzean features an Anglo-Indian style house built in 1841 and a 1.2 hectare (3 acre) lake. During the late spring the garden is a burst of rhododendrons and azaleas, which in turn blend into the flowering season for hundreds of roses in November and December. . (BL)
Mon 15 Nov Launceston – St Helens
Depart Launceston for a full day’s drive across the North-east to St. Helens. On the way, visit four celebrated country gardens in the North-east: Canice Garden, Highview, Cloverlea Garden and Mara Ponds. Enjoy a warm country welcome from the owners who will introduce their gardens to you and provide lunch and morning and afternoon teas.
Continue to St. Helens, arriving late afternoon. (BLD)
Thu 16 Nov St Helens
St Helens (population 2,000) is known as the game-fishing capital of Tasmania and overlooks scenic Georges Bay. Morning at leisure to take the one-hour return walk to St Helens Point where you will find the spectacular Peron Dunes and vast ocean beach.
This afternoon, explore stunning Binalong Bay and the Bay of Fires, a coast of white sandy beaches dotted with giant granite boulders. Its landscape of coastal heath lands and woodlands supports 100 species of birds and wildlife.
Dinner tonight at a local restaurant. (BD)
Wed 17 Nov St Helens – Hobart
Enjoy a leisurely day’s drive to Hobart via the picturesque East coast of Tasmania. Stop for morning tea in the picturesque port town of Bicheno. Continue south to the delightful Georgian village of Richmond, founded in 1824. Late afternoon arrival in Hobart. (BD)
Thu 18 Nov Hobart
This morning will begin with a visit to Island Bonsai on your way to the peak of Mount Wellington for magnificent views over the city. Continue to the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens, Australia's second oldest botanic garden (1818).
After a break for lunch in the gardens, drive to nearby Runnymede, a rare 19th century house, cottage and coach house within extensive gardens. Finish with a visit to Moorilla Estate, the birthplace of Tasmania's modern wine industry. Enjoy a wine-tasting and visit the fascinating Museum of Old and New Art, which will be the largest private museum in Australia when it opens in late 2010 (visit subject to opening of museum). (B)
Fri 19 Nov Hobart
Morning at leisure until you embark on a luxury catamaran for a one-hour cruise along the picturesque Hobart Harbour, River Derwent and the magnificent waters of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Disembark for a farewell lunch at Peppermint Bay Restaurant with its majestic views of Bruny Island. Return to Hobart mid-afternoon. (BL)
Sat 20 Nov Depart Hobart
Tour arrangements conclude after breakfast. Before departing Hobart, make sure to discover the famous Salamanca Market where some of the best arts and crafts, food and flowers produced in Tasmania are displayed. (B)
Bay of Fire
YOUR HOTELS****
Launceston – Grand Chancellor
St Helens – Tidal Waters Resort
Hobart – Lenna of Hobart
